U.S. patent application number 14/789023 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for adhesive tape.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tecman Speciality Materials Ltd. Invention is credited to Kevin Porter.
Application Number | 20160298001 14/789023 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53333717 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160298001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porter; Kevin |
October 13, 2016 |
ADHESIVE TAPE
Abstract
An adhesive tape having a perforated carrier carrying on
opposite sides a structural adhesive with tack such that two
articles can be connected by the adhesive tape. The two articles
are initially held together by pressure. A direct bond from one
article to the other through the perforations in the carrier is
subsequently formed to secure the two articles together.
Inventors: |
Porter; Kevin;
(Warwickshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tecman Speciality Materials Ltd |
Warwickshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
53333717 |
Appl. No.: |
14/789023 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/30 20130101;
B29C 65/5021 20130101; B29C 65/1406 20130101; C09J 2301/16
20200801; C09J 2400/263 20130101; B29C 65/5014 20130101; C09J
2463/00 20130101; B29C 65/5057 20130101; C09J 2433/00 20130101;
B29L 2031/3097 20130101; B29C 65/4835 20130101; B29C 66/41
20130101; B29C 66/7212 20130101; B29L 2031/3076 20130101; C09J
2301/304 20200801; B29C 65/483 20130101; B29C 65/4845 20130101;
C09J 2301/302 20200801; C09J 7/21 20180101; C09J 2301/124 20200801;
C09J 2400/143 20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 66/7212
20130101; B29K 2307/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09J 7/04 20060101
C09J007/04; B29C 65/50 20060101 B29C065/50 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2015 |
GB |
1506261.5 |
Apr 15, 2015 |
GB |
1506413.2 |
Claims
1. An adhesive tape comprising a perforated carrier and a
structural adhesive with tack, the carrier having two opposite
sides and carrying on said opposite sides the structural adhesive
with tack such that two articles can be connected by the adhesive
tape, the two articles being initially held together by pressure
and subsequently bonded by the structural adhesive so that the
structural adhesive forms a direct bond from one article to the
other through the perforations in the carrier.
2. An adhesive tape according to claim 1, wherein the perforated
carrier is woven.
3. An adhesive tape according to claim 1, wherein the perforated
carrier comprises a plurality of reinforcement fibres.
4. An adhesive tape according to claim 2, wherein the perforated
carrier comprises a plurality of reinforcement fibres.
5. An adhesive tape according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcement
fibres comprise glass.
6. An adhesive tape according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcement
fibres comprise glass.
7. An adhesive tape according to claim 1, wherein the structural
adhesive is cross-linkable and the bond between the two articles is
a cross-linked bond.
8. An adhesive tape according to claim 1, wherein the structural
adhesive comprises a polymer.
9. An adhesive tape according to claim 8, wherein the polymer
comprises a thermosetting polymer.
10. An adhesive tape according to claim 8, wherein the polymer
comprises a polyepoxide.
11. An adhesive tape according to claim 8, wherein the polymer
comprises polyepoxyacrylate.
12. An adhesive tape according to claim 1, wherein the structural
adhesive includes a tackifier.
13. An adhesive tape according to claim 12, wherein molecules of
the tackifier are distributed throughout the structural
adhesive.
14. An adhesive tape comprising a perforated carrier and a
structural adhesive with tack, the carrier being woven and having
two opposite sides, the carrier carrying on the opposite sides the
structural adhesive with tack such that two articles can be
connected by the adhesive tape, the structural adhesive being a
cross-linkable polymer, the two articles being initially held
together by pressure and subsequently bonded by the structural
adhesive so that the structural adhesive forms a direct,
cross-linked bond from one article to the other through the
perforations in the carrier.
15. An adhesive tape according to claim 14, wherein the polymer
comprises a polyepoxide.
16. An adhesive tape according to claim 14, wherein the polymer
comprises polyepoxyacrylate.
17. An adhesive tape according to claim 14, wherein the structural
adhesive includes a tackifier, and the molecules of the tackifier
are distributed throughout the structural adhesive.
18. A structure comprising two articles connected by an adhesive
tape according to claim 1.
19. A vehicle comprising two panels connected by an adhesive tape
according to claim 1.
20. A method of connecting two articles comprising the steps: a)
providing an adhesive tape comprising a perforated carrier carrying
a structural adhesive with tack on opposite sides; b) placing the
adhesive tape between the two articles and applying pressure to
hold the two articles in a desired position; c) activating the
adhesive so that a direct bond is formed from one article to the
other through the perforations in the carrier.
21. A method of connecting two articles according to claim 20,
wherein the structural adhesive comprises a polymer and the step of
activating the structural adhesive so that a direct bond is formed
from one article to the other includes curing the polymer.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not Applicable.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority in Great Britain Appln. No.
1506261.5, filed Apr. 13, 2015 and Great Britain Appln. No.
1506413.2, filed Apr. 15, 2015, both of which are entitled
"Adhesive Tape". The full disclosures of these applications are
hereby incorporated by reference.
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to an adhesive tape.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is known to use double-sided adhesive tapes to connect
two or more articles. The applications for which such double-sided
adhesive tapes can be used are limited by both the strength of the
connection to hold the articles together during assembly (the
initial adhesion strength) and the strength of the connection to
hold the articles together during use (the final adhesion
strength).
[0006] Known adhesive tapes are not suitable for structural bonding
applications, for example automotive, aerospace or constructions
applications, which require significant initial and final adhesion
strengths along with a cohesive strength equivalent to liquid
adhesives such as epoxy and polyurethane (PU).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided an adhesive tape comprising a perforated carrier
carrying on opposite sides a structural adhesive with tack such
that two articles can be connected by the adhesive tape, the two
articles being initially held together by pressure and subsequently
bonded by the structural adhesive so that the structural adhesive
forms a direct bond from one article to the other through the
perforations in the carrier.
[0008] The structural adhesive with tack advantageously ensures
that the initial adhesion strength of the adhesive is sufficient to
hold the two articles in position during assembly, prior to
formation of the structural bond between the two articles. This
facilitates transportation of articles during manufacture, for
example along a manufacturing line. The present invention is also
advantageous as the formation of a direct bond from one article to
the other through the perforations in the carrier enables a high
final adhesion and cohesion strength to be achieved through a
homogenous reinforced bond line.
[0009] Providing the adhesive in tape form advantageously provides
a uniform bond thickness, as the risk of the adhesive running or
slumping prior to final assembly of components is eliminated.
[0010] The perforated carrier may be woven and/or may comprise a
plurality of reinforcement fibres, for example, reinforcement
fibres including glass. The reinforcement fibres further increase
the strength of the bond or connection between the two articles,
and advantageously provides impact resistance.
[0011] The structural adhesive may be cross-linkable and the bond
between the two articles may be a cross-linked bond. The
cross-linked bond further increases the final adhesion
strength.
[0012] The structural adhesive may comprise a polymer, for example,
a thermosetting polymer. The polymer may comprise a polyepoxide,
for example, polyepoxyacrylate.
[0013] The structural adhesive may include a tackifier. Molecules
of a tackifier may be distributed throughout the structural
adhesive. Alternatively, the structural adhesive may be inherently
tacky. The tackifier increases the initial adhesion strength.
[0014] The structural adhesive may comprise a release layer on one
side, for example a release layer having a silicone coating. The
release layer advantageously enables the adhesive tape to be rolled
up for storage and/or transportation.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a structure comprising two articles connected by an
adhesive tape according to the first aspect of the present
invention.
[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a vehicle comprising two panels connected by an
adhesive tape according to the first aspect of the present
invention.
[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of connecting two articles comprising the
steps a) providing an adhesive tape comprising a perforated carrier
carrying a structural adhesive with tack on opposite sides; b)
placing adhesive tape between the two articles and applying
pressure to hold two articles in a desired position; c) activating
the adhesive so that a direct bond is formed from one article to
the other through the perforations in the carrier.
[0018] The structural adhesive may comprise a polymer, and the step
of activating the adhesive so that a direct bond is formed from one
article to the other may include curing the polymer.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention there is
provided a method of forming a structure using the method of
connecting two articles according to the fourth aspect of the
present invention.
[0020] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from a review of the entire specification,
including the appended claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way
of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adhesive tape according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of a structure comprising two articles
connected by the adhesive tape of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a perforated carrier for use in the
adhesive tape of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the adhesive tape of FIG. 1 being
applied to an article;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 2 during
assembly; and
[0027] FIG. 6 is an alternative side view of the structure of FIG.
2 during assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a piece of adhesive
tape 10 according to the present invention. The adhesive tape 10
has a perforated carrier 20, a first adhesive layer 22 and a second
adhesive layer 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the adhesive tape 10 also
has a protective release layer 26.
[0029] The carrier 20 is a scrim carrier and has a pair of opposing
surfaces 28a, 28b and a mesh of interconnected fibres 30 that are
separated by a plurality of perforations 32, as shown in FIG. 3.
The carrier 20 is in the form of a tape or ribbon. The fibres 30
are glass fibres.
[0030] The first adhesive layer 22 is a polymeric adhesive 34 with
inherent tack properties, for example a thermosetting rubber or
polyepoxyacrylate. The first adhesive layer has a pair of opposing
surfaces 38a, 38b.
[0031] The second adhesive layer 22 is also a polymeric adhesive 34
with inherent tack properties, for example a thermosetting rubber
or polyepoxyacrylate. The second adhesive layer has a pair of
opposing surfaces 40a, 40b.
[0032] The release layer 26 has a pair of opposing surfaces 42a,
42b. Surface 42a and 42b of the release layer 26 each have a
silicone coating (not shown).
[0033] The adhesive tape 10 is prepared as follows.
[0034] The first adhesive layer 22 is applied to the carrier 20
such that surface 28a of the carrier 20 is in contact with and
adhered to surface 38b of the first adhesive layer 22.
[0035] The second adhesive layer 24 is applied to the carrier 20
such that surface 28b of the carrier 20 is in contact with and
adhered to surface 40a of the second adhesive layer 24.
[0036] A release layer 26 is applied to the first adhesive layer 22
such that surface 42b of the release layer 26 is in releasable
contact with surface 38a of the first adhesive layer 22.
[0037] The adhesive tape 10 is wound into rolls up to 1600 mm wide
and up to 1000 m in length and processed into smaller rolls using
known slit/rewind or rewind/slit equipment for transportation
and/or storage and/or application.
[0038] Use of the adhesive tape 10 to form a structure 80 by
connecting two carbon-fibre composite articles 44, 46 will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0039] The first carbon-fibre composite article 44 has an inner
surface 48 and an outer surface 50.
[0040] The second carbon-fibre composite article 46 has an inner
surface 52 and an outer surface 54.
[0041] The adhesive tape 10 is applied to the first article 44 such
that surface 40b of the second adhesive layer 24 is in contact with
the inner surface 48 of the first article 44. The tackiness (shown
by arrows A) of the second adhesive layer 24 adheres the adhesive
tape 10 to the first article 44.
[0042] The protective release layer 26 is removed from the first
adhesive layer 22 by peeling surface 42b of the release layer 26
away from surface 38a of the first adhesive layer 22 in the
direction of arrow B.
[0043] The second article 46 is positioned in a desired position
relative to the first article 44 and pressed into contact with the
adhesive tape 10. The inner surface 52 of the second article 46 is
pressed into contact with surface 38a of the first adhesive layer
22. The tackiness (shown by arrows C) of the first adhesive layer
22 adheres the adhesive tape 10 to the second article 46.
[0044] In this way the first and second articles 44, 46 are held in
the desired position to form structure 80. The tack properties of
the first and second adhesive layers 22, 24 advantageously provides
the initial adhesion strength required to retain the first and
second articles 44, 46 in the desired position.
[0045] Once the first and second articles 44, 46 are in the desired
position, an activator, for example heat or ultra violet radiation,
is applied to the structure 80.
[0046] The activator causes the formation of cross-links (depicted
by arrows D) in the polymeric adhesive 34 of both the first and
second adhesive layers 22, 24. The cross-links are formed through
the perforations 32 in the carrier 20 to the first and second
articles 44, 46 to provide a homogenous bond line.
[0047] In this way a structural bond is formed between the first
and second articles 44, 46 of the structure 80. The formation of
the cross-linked bond through the perforations 32 in the carrier 20
provides the high final adhesion strength required for high
performance applications. The carrier 20 acts as a reinforcement
within the bond, providing additional strength. The final adhesion
strength of the adhesive tape 10 is 6 to 12 KN/25 mm2.
[0048] The first and second articles 44, 46 may be panels for a
vehicle, for example a car. The adhesive tape 10 may be up to 25 mm
in width and used in lengths up to 10 m, for example having 0.05
mm-0.1 mm thick carrier and 0.05 mm-0.1 mm adhesive on each
side.
[0049] In the example described above, the first and second
adhesive layers comprise a polymeric adhesive with inherent tack
properties. In alternative embodiments, the first and second
adhesive layers may be formed from a polymer matrix in which
molecules of a tackifier, a chemical compound that increases the
tack or stickiness of the surface of an adhesive, are
dispersed.
[0050] In the example described above, the carrier is formed from a
mesh of interconnected fibres that are separated by a plurality of
perforations. In alternative embodiments, the carrier may be formed
from any woven or knitted structure in which the fibres are
separated by perforations or openings.
[0051] In the example described above, the first and second
articles are carbon-fibre composite articles. In alternative
embodiments, the first and/or second article may be manufactured
from any material.
* * * * *